Lumbar Disc Replacement
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Total Lumbar Disc Replacement is the latest FDA-approved surgical procedure designed to alleviate chronic lower back pain resulting from Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
Replacement is done by removing the damaged disc and replacing it with an artificial disc made of metal or a combination of metal and plastic. This artificial disc is inserted between the vertebra, where it can function as the original disc was intended. This not only alleviates pain caused by pinched nerves or bruised bone but preserves more mobility and range of motion than a traditional spinal fusion procedure.
Haley's Story
Haley Crofut, a young athletic woman who trained hard, already had badly damaged lumbar discs. It broke her heart to be in such pain and feel should would not be able to stay active. After seeing several practitioners, she found her solution with Doctor Patel. See her video story here.
Benefits of Total Lumbar Disc Replacement include:
- Alleviating back pain when other modalities have failed
- Preserving more range of motion than a traditional spinal fusion
- Brief procedure time of two hours or less
- Shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery because no broken bones need time to heal, as in a spinal fusion
- Artificial disc can withstand athletic activity, making it a good fit for those patients looking to get back to an active lifestyle
Degenerative Spondylolisthes
What is it?
Degenerative Spondylolisthes is age-related changes to the bones, vertebrae, and discs of the spine. These changes don't always cause symptoms. But they are a common cause of spine problems that can range from mild to severe. As your body ages, the discs between the bones of the spine become stiffer and can break down. The bones also wear down and can develop spurs.
How is it treated?
Pain and stiffness are first treated with ice or heat and with over-the-counter medicines. Physical therapy and daily exercises can be helpful.
If these treatments aren't giving you relief, you may need other treatments. This might be more likely to happen if you have issues such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. In some cases, a shot of medicine in the joint area may offer short-term relief.
When surgery is an option
For severe problems, surgery may be the only path to relief.
Doctor Patel has performed hundreds of such procedures at Sarasota Memorial Hospital,